Nintendo Switch Specs: How Backward Compatibility Could Work

Nintendo execs have finally opened up about one of the mysteries surrounding the Nintendo Switch. The new console does offer a few new features of its own. However, does it offer backwards compatibility?

The Nintendo Switch awed the market during its release as a console-handheld hybrid. An interesting feature to keep in mind is its ability to be played both as a handheld and be connected to screens. This combines the portability of the Nintendo 3DS and the family console concept of previous products such as the Wii.

However, the issue of backwards compatibility does open an interesting question. A lot of gamers turn to Nintendo because of its unique and “nostalgic” quality. After all, a lot of players today grew up on Nintendo games. Does this mean the Nintendo Switch will give them the chance to play older Nintendo titles as well?

Nintendo Switch: Backward Compatibility?

Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima finally opens up about the issue of backwards compatibility. According to Time, the Switch is not backward compatible with past Nintendo games or other Nintendo console controllers. This already cements the fact that the games for the Switch will have their own sets of cartridges.

This can be disappointing for a lot of Nintendo fans. After all, backward compatibility is not just about very old Nintendo games, but also for modern Nintendo consoles. These include the Wii U and the 3DS. Of course, a good consolation is that there are a lot of third-party developers set to develop more games for the Switch. This can at least expand the library of games for the console, even if older Nintendo games are not included.

According to Game Rant, it seems Nintendo will be developing Switch games based on older titles to compensate. For instance, aside from a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe port, there are rumors of a Super Smash Bros. port in development as well. This means Nintendo may be open to reworking games to fit the Switch. However, Kimishima still has some good news.

Added as patch?

Kimishima and Nintendo may be open to the option of adding the backward compatibility feature. According to the same Time piece, Kimishima added that support for “certain controllers” may be considered in future updates. This means the Switch is not backward compatible right now, but the feature may be added in the future.

This opens yet another window of hope for players wanting to play older games on the Switch. Aside from backward compatibility, options such as the Virtual Console may also be added to the Switch. However, only Nintendo can determine the efficiency of such a feature after the Switch’s release.

The console is set for a March 3, 2017 release with a few launch titles. This includes The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild and Yooka-Laylee. Fans interested to learn about the features of the console can watch a brief video below: